I hope you all are doing well; please be very careful in this heat.

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This week I would like to update you on our young Air Force Cadet, Wes Burford. I shared with you a few columns back that the 2026 Oakdale High graduate reported to Basic Training at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Although he really misses his family and friends, he is doing great. He is at Basic Training in Jacks Valley, Colorado. Boot Camp, or Basic Training as it is also called, is a rough, very rigid training. Cadets are taught basic military knowledge. They learn survival skills … they learn to dodge tremendous obstacles, go through assault courses, face cannons and explosives all around them … this teaches them to stay calm in all situations. The cadets are taught team building and learn to work under tremendous pressure from dawn until dusk. This is all geared toward building confidence and a strong work ethic.

The first day of basic training, cadets experience culture shock as they adjust to military drills, and a completely different way of life. It is a melting pot with cadets coming together from all over the country. They begin the journey to becoming an officer. They immediately learn the value of discipline, how important it is to follow directions, to be a team player … to always give 100 percent. Cadets are subjected to inspections constantly. They learn how to address their superiors, and how to be successful on this amazing journey. The cadets will go through a series of academic lessons designed to teach military knowledge. Each day brings new challenges. Discipline happens from the day the cadets arrive at the academy.

The cadets also learn the importance of time management, with a tremendous inference on cadet accountability.

The cadets are pushed to their physical limits, with long runs, challenging field exercises, tunnels and rope climbing.

This is all an important part of building self-confidence, a complete belief in yourself and also an amazing trust in your teammates.

Our Oakdale High graduate is handling basic training with the same determination and dedication he gave to his high school wrestling and football careers. Wes learned from his parents to always give 100 percent. He and his sisters have a tremendous work ethic.

Wes is making his family and his friends proud. He is truly an amazing young man. God bless our military, including our United States Air Force.

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Happening this week in Valley Home … Please remember our Valley Home National Night Out Celebration will not be held on Tuesday, August 4; instead, everyone is invited to gather at the park Wednesday, August 5. The fun begins with a Car Show at 5 pm; see Ashley Barreto for more info.

“Back to School” Night on Aug. 5 starts with an Ice Cream Social at the school from 5:30 pm until 6 pm with the school-related activities from 6 pm until 7 pm.

For the National Night Out event, everyone is invited to gather at the park for a community pot luck. Hot dogs, condiments, paper plates, utensils and drinks will be provided. Please bring a favorite dish to share. Pot luck dinner will start at 6: 30 pm at the park … all are welcome! Stanislaus County Public Works and First Responders will be on hand to visit with those gathered. There will also be vendors on hand.

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As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time, “Happy Trails To All!”